Novak Djokovic Eyes Longevity and Legacy

Djokovic Inspired by Sporting Greats

Novak Djokovic has made it clear that his journey in tennis is far from over. At 38 years old and already a 24-time Grand Slam champion, the Serbian superstar wants to emulate fellow sporting legends like LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Tom Brady by competing at the highest level well into his 40s.

Speaking at the Joy Forum in Riyadh, the world tennis icon expressed that longevity and legacy are his driving motivations as he continues to shape the sport’s evolution. “I really want to see how far I can go,” Djokovic said. “If you look across all sports, LeBron is still going strong, Cristiano too, and Brady played into his 40s. They inspire me every day.”

Still Among the Elite at 38

Despite increasing competition from a new generation of stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, Djokovic remains a formidable presence on tour. In 2025, he reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slams — a remarkable achievement for any player, let alone one approaching his fourth decade on the circuit.

His most recent major victory came at the 2023 US Open, when he was 36 years old. Coincidentally, that was also the age at which Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal won their final Grand Slam titles. However, Djokovic insists he’s not ready to follow their path into retirement just yet.

Setbacks and Motivation

Injury forced Djokovic to withdraw from his Australian Open semi-final earlier this year against Alexander Zverev — a rare sight for a player known for his resilience. Still, he had defeated Alcaraz in the previous round, proving that he can still compete toe-to-toe with the next generation.

Losses to Sinner at both the French Open and Wimbledon, and to Alcaraz at the US Open, have raised questions about whether Djokovic’s dominance is finally waning. But for the Serbian, each defeat is merely fuel for his determination to adapt and evolve.

Shaping the Future of Tennis

Beyond personal milestones, Djokovic says his focus has shifted toward transforming tennis for future generations. As co-founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), he continues to advocate for fairer revenue distribution and greater player rights across all tournaments.

“Tennis can change a lot in the next few years,” he explained. “I want to be part of that change, helping to rejuvenate the sport and set a new foundation for decades to come.”

Djokovic’s comments come as players push for increased transparency and higher prize money at Grand Slam events — a movement that echoes similar reforms in global sports leagues.

Exhibition Glory and Massive Prize Pools

Djokovic was speaking during the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — a high-profile tournament boasting a reported $4.5 million prize pool. Both Djokovic and Alcaraz received byes into the semi-finals, highlighting their superstar status in the sport’s current landscape.

Despite a straight-sets loss (6-4, 6-2) to Jannik Sinner, Djokovic appeared upbeat and reflective, emphasising that competition remains his favourite motivation. Sinner’s victory set up a much-anticipated rematch with Alcaraz in the final — continuing what many call tennis’s new defining rivalry.

Longevity and the Pursuit of Greatness

While Djokovic’s critics argue that the sport’s younger stars are closing the gap, he remains laser-focused on maintaining his standards. His training regimen, diet, and mental approach are now models for aspiring athletes worldwide.

“I want to be there when tennis evolves,” he said. “This is not just about me winning another Grand Slam; it’s about helping build the next era of the sport.”

Much like LeBron and Ronaldo — who continue to perform at elite levels well into their late 30s — Djokovic’s legacy is expanding beyond trophies. His advocacy for innovation and sustainability in tennis could define his second act as both athlete and ambassador.

Final Thoughts: A Legend Still Writing His Story

Novak Djokovic’s quest to continue competing into his 40s isn’t just about chasing records — it’s about redefining what’s possible for elite athletes. Whether or not he wins another Grand Slam, his influence on the sport is already monumental.

As the tennis world shifts toward a new generation, Djokovic’s persistence, professionalism, and vision ensure that his legacy will echo for decades. His message is clear: greatness doesn’t fade with age — it evolves.

For more on global sports icons and gaming culture, explore the PlayZada Sports Hub or read about Hammer of Vulcan and Barbarossa Revenge — two titles that share Djokovic’s spirit of endurance and risk-reward gameplay.